Residents of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, are voting for a new Governor, in an election overshadowed by the incumbent's blasphemy trial. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as "Ahok", is the first Christian and ethnic Chinese leader of the majority Muslim city in more than 50 years. He is on trial for insulting Islam, after he accused his opponents of using the Koran to mislead voters. Tens of millions of Indonesians will also be voting in regional elections. Voting starts at 07:00 local time in elections for the leaders of seven provinces, 18 cities and for the local leaders of 76 districts.<br/><br/>The election in Jakarta is seen as a test of religious tolerance in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation. About 85 per cent of the population are Muslim, but the country officially respects six religions.
News On AIR | February 15, 2017 8:55 AM
Jakarta holds governor elections amid blasphemy trial